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HOUSTON (CBS Houston) — The Texans have hit some high marks and certainly appear positioned to reach even higher levels of success in the near future.

Team owner Bob McNair took steps Thursday to make certain the men most responsible for the Texans success remain around by announcing the extensions of head coach Gary Kubiak and general manager Rick Smith along with president Jamey Rootes and newly elevated vice chairman and COO Cal McNair.

Kubiak, who is entering his seventh season, received a new three-year contract that begins immediately and will keep him around through the 2014 season. Smith received a four-year extension on his current contract and is now tied to the franchise through 2016.

Both Kubiak and Smith’s contracts previously set to expire after the 2012 season.

“We think this is an outstanding group of men and I think you are going to see a lot of success for the organization as a result of having them in place for an extended amount of time,” Bob McNair said after the Texans wrapped up their three-day minicamp on Thursday. “I do think stability is very important and all of these people work well together and they are committed to bringing a championship to Houston. That’s our goal and that is what we work for every day.”

The new deals for Kubiak and Smith, long seen as a package deal, come on the heels of their most successful season. Even with a rash of injuries that forced them to finish the season with their third string quarterback, the Texans won the AFC South and broke into the playoffs for the first time after going 10-6.

Last season’s success and the now overwhelming support Kubiak and Smith enjoy is in stark contrast to 18 months ago when the team went 6-10 and fans were calling for their ouster. Now most are gearing up for a legitimate Super Bowl run this season if quarterback Matt Schaub and star receiver Andre Johnson return healthy.

Much of the credit belongs to Kubiak and Smith.

“They have both done outstanding jobs. The coaching performance of Gary last year was outstanding with the injuries that we had. I don’t know how he could have done a better job.

“In terms of our personnel, you’ve seen our personnel get better every year. Rick and the scouts have really worked hard to be in position to find talent and to bring them in and bring in free agents.”

In addition to news on Kubiak and Smith’s contracts, the team also announced it has reached a contract agreement with first round draft pick and outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus.